The halls of the America’s Center started to bustle early this morning as attendees scooted into scientific sessions, policy discussions, and the exhibit halls. Here are a few details about the meeting that attendees don’t necessarily learn in sessions.
- History: AAAS is one of the oldest scientific societies in the U.S. It was founded in Philadelphia in 1848.
- Public access: All plenary and topical lectures are free to the public. Family Science Days run on Saturday and Sunday at the America’s Center (more on that to come.) AAAS estimates more than 5,000 people will attend the meeting. Approximately 700 journalists from around the world are expected to be taking notes and hunting for power outlets, elusive prey with so many laptops in use.
- Content: On average, AAAS says 60–65% of the proposed symposia ultimately become part of the meeting. This year’s meeting has a record number of symposia—almost 200!
- Sleeping: About 2,000 hotel (sleeping) rooms are needed to house everyone associated with the meeting.
- Java: AAAS will serve more than 525 gallons of coffee during the meeting. A gallon provides about 20 cups, so that’s more than 10,000 cups.
—Rachel Petkewich, filed at 12:49 PM CST